Maximus Air Cargo, the UAE's largest dedicated cargo aircraft operator, has announced a major expansion to its fleet.

According to the company, three additional Airbus A300-600 regional freighters - each offering 48 tonnes of payload capacity - will be introduced to the fleet in July, September and November this year.

Maximus said these introductions would bring the total number of aircraft operated by the company to 11.

The three additional aircraft represent a total investment of AED 350 million.

"They will provide strategic support for our ambitious expansion plans which strengthens our positioning as the Middle East's largest all cargo operator with opportunities to serve the Middle East, North Africa, Asia and European regions," commented Maximus chief executive officer Fathi Hilal Buhazza.

He also revealed that the company had achieved 16 per cent growth in 2010 with a turnover of AED 430 million.